Elevator



i 2 Oct. 8,1929. w. H. MAXWELL ELEVATOR Filed July 29, 1924 2 sheets-shea 1 7 a 523. M j

, f/Z/ J3 54; M a I Oct. 8, 1929. I w. H. MAXWELL ,7 0,670 V ELEVATOR Filed July 29, 1924 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Oct. 8, 1929 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE \VILLIAM H. MAXWELL, OF LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, ASSI GNOR OF ONE-HALF 'IO LAWRENCE F. BAASH, OF WHIT'IIER, CALIFORNIA ELEVATOR Application filed July 29,

This invention has to do with an elevator for handling pipes, casings, rods and like objects, and it is an object of the invention to provide a simple, effective and improved tool of this character.

This invention has particular reference to elevators such as are used in well drilling rigs for handling pipes, casings, rods, and the like, it being understood, however, that the invention is not to be considered limited in its range of application nor to handling any specific objector objects. In disclosing my invention I will refer to it as applied to a pipe, it being understood that the term pipe 1 as here used, includes casings, rods, or other devices or objects that may be handled by the present tool.

' It is -a primary object of this invention to provide a simple elevator.

Itis another object of this invention to provide an elevator which is secured when engaged around a pipe and which does not require a spring latch or any such securing means.

Another object of this invention is to provide an elevator requiring a minimum number of parts.

Another object of this invention is to provide an elevator which is simple and convenient to operate, both to apply to a pipe and to release from a pipe.

Another object of this invention is to provide an elevator in which the pipe engaging parts when together cooperate with each other so that they are secure on the pipe.

Another object of this invention is to pro vide a latchless elevator which cannot be released when in operating position at a collar, or the like.

Another object of this invention is to provide an elevator which is effective and easily operated and which can be constructed to be particularly compact, for instance, so that it does not have projecting parts such as are common to elevators ordinarily used.

Another object of this invention .is to provide an elevator which is extremely simple and inexpensive.

Another object of this invention is to pro- 50 vide an elevator carrying out objects such 1924. Serial No. 728,882.

as I have hereinabove mentioned, and hav ing refinement and details whereby it is practical and convenient. I

The objects and features of my invention, including those I have mentioned, will be best and more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description of one form or embodiment of the invention, throughout which description reference is had to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a side view of the elevator showlng it in operative position in connection with a pipe and coupling; 1

Fig. 2 is, a plan view of the elevator, being a view taken as indicated by the line 22 on Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged detail Fig. 4 is an enlarged detail plan sectional view, taken as indicated by the line 4- 4 on Fig.1;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged detail plan sectional view, taken as-indicated by the line 55 on Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged detail plan sectional view, taken as indicated by the line 66 on Fig. 1;

Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. l, the parts in a different position;

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 5, showing the parts in a diiierent position;

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 6, showing the parts in a different position;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged detail sectional view, ta en as indicated by the line 10l0 on Fig. 2; and

Fig. 11 is a plan section, taken as indicated by the line 1l-11 on Fig. 3.

The elevator'includes, generally, a body A to engage around the pipe 10 and suspension means B for the body. The body A is, as in other elevators, adapted to fit more or less closely around the pipe 10 and to engage under a coupling 11, or other projection, to carry the pipe. In accordance with the invention the body A includes two sections 12 and 13, which are relatively movable so that they are engageable around and releasable from the pipe 10. In accordance with the showing vertical sec tional view, taken aSlIICliCZItQCl by the line broader aspects of this invention the sections 12 and 13 may be of various sizes and proportions relative to each other and may be related in various manners so that they are relatively movable in the desired manner.

In the particular form of the invention illustrated in the drawings, the section 12 is somewhat heavier and larger, generally, than the section 13 and will be hereinafter termed the main section, while the other section 13 will be termed the door. The two sections of the body are connected together, preferably directly as by a suitable pivotal coniection 19. Although features of the inven tion may be carried out without the two sections of the body being directly or pivotally connected it has been found that such ar-' rangement and construction are most convenient and practical.

The pivotal connection 19 between the sections 12 and 13 is preferably one which is simple and strong. It may include lugs eX tending from the connected or inner ends of the sections to mesh together and be held by a pivot pin 14. The particular connection illustrated in the drawings includes two spaced lugs 15 extending from the inner end of the main section 12, and a single lug 16 extending from the inner end of the door section 13 to fit between the lugs 15. The pivot pin 14 extends between the lugs 15 and through an opening 30 in the lug 16. It will be apgeously used.

parent that this particular form of connection is merely one of many that may be advanta- In the type of elevator being-described the main section 12 is made sufficiently large and heavy so that it is strong and rigid. This section may have its ends extended so that they project past the center of the pipe, the end portions diverging somewhat outward so that the section 12 will readily receive the pipe 10. The door section 13 is made strong and durable, however, it does not have to carry any great load and is not subjected to great strain, so, therefore, it can be much lighter in construction than the main section 12.

The body A is provided with means whereby its sections are releasably secured in the closed or operative position. It may be said that this means is embodied in, or is more or less carried out by, the sections of the body. Specifically this means includes cooperating parts on the two sections of the body which operate to prevent separation of the sections when they are in the closed or operating position, and means whereby the sections may be manipulated to disengage or release these cooperating parts. The cooperating parts just referred to may be in the form of lugs with cooperating faces or shoulders substantially transverse of the direction in which the sections must be moved to be opened or separated. In the drawings I have shown a downwardly extending lug 20 at the outer end of the door the main section has a vertical shoulder or face 23 facing toward the main section. The shoulders 22 and 23 are so located and related as to be in engagement with each other when the two sections of the body are closed together and so that they cooperate to positively prevent separation or opening of the sections. To allow for engagement and disengagement ofthe shoulders 22 and 23 the sections 12 and 13 are movable relative to each other in a vertical direction, or in a direction transverse of that in which they are moved in opening or closing. In a form of construction such as I am describing the section 13 is movable Vertically relative to the main section 12 enough to allow for engagement and disengagement of the shoulders 22 and 23. In practice the amount of lift or vertical movement required between the two sections will depend, of course, upon the height or vertical extent of the shoulders. The shoulders can be made short in a vertical direction and long in a horizontal direction to give them the desired area and strength. i

The necessary vertical movement between the sections 12 and 13 may be gained at or through the pivotal connection between the sections, for instance, by providing suitable looseness in the connection. The necessary movement may be allowed or obtained in numerous ways or by or through, numerous different constructions of or at the pivotal connection. It is convenient, and particularly simple, to shape the opening in the lug 16 so that it allows for swingingor Vertical movement of the door section 12 enough to allow for operation of the shoulders. The opening 30 in this form of construction is preferably such as to carry or pass the pivot pin 14 so that the door section is movable vertically or is loose only in a plane'or direction substantially parallel with the shoulder 22. In manufacture the opening 30 may be drilled straight through the lug l6 and then enlarged or cut away in a manner to allow for the necessary vertical movement of the door.

Further, in providing for the vertical movement of the door in the mannerv just described it is desirable to have the opening 30 formed so that the door will pivot about a certain axis, preferably an axis about on line horizontally with the cooperating shoulders. In the present case the shoulders are about opposite the upper end of the lug 16 so the opening 30 is formed so that the door will swing about an axis at or close to the upper end of the lug 16. This may be done by having the upper end of the opening30 just suf- The shape and location of the opening 30 will be fully understood from inspection of the drawings, in which Figs. 4 and 5 show two different points of the pivotal connection when the door section is closed, while Figs. 7 and 8 show corresponding points when the door section is partially open.

The elevator may include means whereby L the door section 13 is started out or in a direction to open when lifted to disengage the shoulders .22 and 23. This means may include a part or projection 32 on one of the sections to cooperate with a shoulder 33 on the other section. I have shown the projection 32 on the door section and the shoulder 33 on the main section. The shoulder. 33 is above and overhangs the projection 32 when the sections are in the closed position, and is located and shaped, preferably inclined, so that the projection 32 engages it immediately after the shoulders 22 and 23 have passed out of cooperative engagement. The projection and shoulder are shaped and related so that they cooperate to start the door section out or away from the main section when the door is lifted to disengage the shoulders and, as a matter of fact, cooperate to direct or start the door section down when it is swinging closed. The projection 32 and shoulder 33 may be located at different points where the door section and main section come together, however, it is preferred to locate them at or close to the cooperating lugs 20 and 21. For in stance, the projection 32 may be formed at or on the outer part of the lug 20.

The present invention provides means whereby the door 13 is automatically lifted vertically so that the shoulders 22 and 23 come in cooperative engagement upon the door being swung closed. Such means may be provided on or at the lugs 20 and 21, for instance, the outer parts 40 of the lugs may be shaped or finished off, for instance, curved,

as shown in the drawings, so that they slide one on the other, causing the door section to lift the desired amount as it swings closed. The door section will drop by gravity into the closed positions upon the lug 20 passing off of the lug 21. In the preferred form of construction I provide means at the pivotal connection 19 to cooperate with the means just described or to operate independently of such means to automatically lift the door section in the desired manner when it is swung closed. The means at the pivotal connection may include a lug on the door section and a cam part 46 on or in connection with the main section. The lug 45 is preferably located at the lower part of the door section and at the inner end thereof, the cam 46 being provided on the lowermost lug 15 of the pivotal connection. The lug 45 and cam 46 are shapedand relate-d so that they are out of engagement, the lug being at the end 46 of the cam, when the door section 13 is closed with the lug 20 past the lug 21. When the door section 13 is lifted to disengage the shoulders the lug 45 becomes opposite the face of the cam 46 and rides on, or engages it just as soon as the door section is swung somewhat outwardly. The manner in which the lug 45 and cam 46 are constructed and related and the'manner in which they cooperate will be best and more fully understood from examination of Figs. 6 and 9 of the drawings. Fig. 6 shows the relation of the lug and cam when the door is closed, and Fig. 7 shows their relation when the door is partially open. By varying the shape or proportions of the cam 46 the door section 13 may be lifted at various points during its swinging movement, may be lifted through various extents of its swinging movement, or it may be maintained up at all times during its swinging movement so that it drops or lowers only when the lug 20 passes over the lug 21.

The present invention provides. means whereby the door section 13, when closed, operates to brace or reenforce the main section 12 against spreading or distortion. In the drawings I have illustrated this means asineluding a rib 50 on one of the sections, for instance, the door section 13, and a socket 51 in the other section to receive the rib. The rib 50 and socket 51 are formed or shaped so that they are radial of the axes about which the door section lifts and swings, and, therefore, do not interfere in anyway with the operation of the door.

lVhen the door section 13 is closed and the shoulders 22 and 23 are in cooperative engagement the upper end of the door section is flush with the upper end 61 of the main section and forms, with the upper end of the main section a seat for the coupling 11. When the coupling 11 is in engagement with the upper ends of the sections 12and 13 it is impossible to open or separate the sections as the door section cannot then be lifted relative to the main section to disengage the shoulders 22 and 23. However, as soon as the sections are lowered somewhat away from the coupling the door section is free to be lifted to disengage the shoulders so that it can be opened or swung out. V

In the preferred form of the invention I provide-locking means which must be released before the door section 13 can be lifted to disengage the shoulders 22 and 23. This locking means may be of various forms of construction, it being preferred; that it include a bolt carried by one of the sections, for instance, the door section, in a manner to cooperate with a downwardly facing shoulder 71 on the other section. The bolt and shoulder 71 are related so that the bolt engages under the shoulder upon the sections being moved to the operating or closed position, the bolt operating to positively prevent lifting of the door section relative to the main section. The bolt may be slidably carried in a suitable opening 72 formed in the door section and may be normally urged outwardly by a suitable spring 73 arranged between the inner end of the bolt and the inner end of the opening. Suitable means is pro vided for actuating the bolt, that is, for retracting it, so that the locking means can be easily and quickly released. This actuating means may include an operating handle 74 suitably connected with the bolt. In the form of the invention illustrated in the drawings the handle 74 is pivotally connected to the door section by means or" a pivot pin 75 so than it extends across the outer part of the door in a substantially horizontal direction. The operating handle is connected with the bolt by means of a link 7 6 pivotally connected with the handle at 77 and with the bolt at 78. When the handle Tel is moved or swung upwardly the bolt 70 is moved inwardly or re tracted through the action of the link 76. When the bolt 70 is moved out by the spring 73 the handle 74 is moved downwardly to its unactuated position through the action of the link 76. The handle 74 may project somewhat outward of the door section 13 so that it can be easily operated and is preferably spaced somewhat above the lower end of the body A so that an operator can pass his fingers under it it the body is resting on or close to a support. It is to be particularly noted that the locking means is operated or released by vertical movement and that the means securing the two sections 12 and 13 together is also operable or releasable by a vertical movement. lt'is, therefore, apparent that pressure upward onthe handle 74 will cause actuation or releasement ofthe locking means and then releasment of the means securing the two sections together. By this arrangement the locking means, which is, of course, desirable as a safety measure, does not in any way add to or complicate the operation of the tool. The locking means, of course, locks automatically upon the door being closed, the bolt being depressed by engaging the outer end surface of the main section, as the door section is moved to the closed position. When the door section drops into operating position the bolt snaps under the shoulder 71. It is to be understood that the broader aspects of my invention contemplates any sort of a locking device suitable for the situation, andthatthe invention is in no way limited to the particular form or type of device I have just described.

The suspension means B may, as far as the present invention is concerned, he of any suitable form or construction. I have illustrated the suspension means B as comprising a pair of bails 80 carried by ears 81 and extending from the main section 12 of the body A, as this form of suspension means is that commonly employed in devices of this charactor.

The elevator provided by this invention is handled and operated in the same general manner as ordinary elevators, it having certain features of operation, however, which are different from those of ordinary elevators. To apply the elevator to a pipe the body section 12 is swung into position on the pipe, whereupon the door section 13 is swung closed. As the door section 13 swings inwardly the lug 20 passes over the lug 21 and the bolt 70 of the locking means is depressed by the outer end of the main section 12. Upon the door reaching the in position or upon its being swung completely in thelug 20 passes off or completely over the lug 21 allowing the door to drop so that the shoulders 20 and 23 come into engagement to positively prevent outward swinging of the door. while at the same time the bolt 70 snaps under the shoulder 71 to positively prevent manipulation or upward movement of the door to disengage the shoulders 22 and 23. With the body A thus secured and locked around the pipe 10 it is moved into engagement with the lower end of the coupling 11 so that the coupling further operates t positively hold the door section 13 against movement to release the cooperating shoulders 22 and 23. The elevator may be operated to handlethe pipe 10 in the same manner as any other elevator. When it is desired to release the present elevator it is lowered away from the coupling 11, thereby making sure that it can be released from the pipe without danger of dropping the pipe and so that the door section 13 can be opened. To open the door section 13 the handle 7% is moved upwardly, causing retraction of the bolt 70 after which further upward pressure on the handle will cause lifting of the door to disengage the shoulders 22 and 23 whereupon the door is free to be swung out allowing the body section to heswung away from the pipe. As is well known, it is often desired to operate or release an elevator as it comes downwardly to the operator and it'is often necessary to operate or release an elevator when it is close to the retary table or close to whateversupport the operator may be standing on. Most elevators are operated by a force applied in a direction to swing the door open making it difficult to open them when they are somewhat above or below the convenient reach of the operator. With the present elevator the door can be released and started open by the operator simply letting it drop or move downwardly against his hand so that his hand engages the lid handle 7 1. WVith the door section released it is, of course, very easy to swing it open. Further, when the elevator is below the convenient reach of the operator it is very easy for him to take hold under the handle 47 and pull upwardly to release the door section and then somewhat outwardly to swing it open.

Having described only a typical preferred form of my invention 1 do not wish to limit myself to the specific details hereinabove set forth but wish to reserve to myself any changes or variations that may appear to those skilled in the art or fall Within the scope of the following claims.

Having described my invention I claim:

1. An elevator including two sections having a releasable connection and a permanent connection allowing movement of the sections in two diiferent directions, one to allow opening and closing of the sections and the other to operate the releasable connection, and means whereby the sections are automatically moved relative to each other in the first mentioned direction upon being moved relative to each other in the said other direction.

2. An elevator including two sections having a releasable connection and a permanent connection allowing movement of the sections in two different directions, one to allow opening and closing of the sections and the other to operate the releasable connection, and parts on the sections at the releasable connection cooperating to open the sections upon movement of the parts further than is necessary to release the releasable connection.

3, An elevator including two sections having lugs at one side adapted to cooperate to releasably connect the sections, a permanent connection at the other side of the sections having a pivotal axis about which the sections are operable to open and close and a pivotal axis about which the sections are operable for operation of the lugs and interengaging parts at the first mentioned side of the sections concentric with the last mentioned axis,

4. In an elevator a movable part operable to open and close the elevator, means for releasably securing said part in a closed position, auxiliary means for releasably securing said part in a closed position, and an operating handle operable to release both of said means.

5. In an elevator a movable part operable to open and close the elevator, means for releasably securing said part in a closed position, auxiliary means for releasably securing said part in a closed position, and an operating handle operable torelease both of said means, the means and handle being related so that the means are operated one after the other upon operation of the handle.

In witness that I claim the foregoing I have hereunto subscribed my name this 28rd day of July, 1924.

WILLIAM H. MAXWELL. 

